Sources: Mets deal A.J. Minter to Twins ahead of trade deadline - ESPN

NEW YORK — In the first of several anticipated moves to unload veterans before Monday's trade deadline, the New York Mets agreed to send left-handed reliever A.J. Minter to the Minnesota Twins for two minor leaguers Thursday night, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The Mets received infielders Bruin Agbayani, the son of their former outfielder Benny Agbayani, and Billy Amick in return.

By acquiring Minter, who is slated to hit free agency this offseason, the Twins bolster a relief corps that has ranked among the worst in the majors this season as Minnesota makes a postseason push. Despite the bullpen's struggles, the Twins are just a game behind the Cleveland Guardians for the final American League wild-card spot and trail the first-place Chicago White Sox in the AL Central by three games thanks to an offense that has scored the most runs in the AL.

The 32-year-old Minter, who missed most of the 2025 season after suffering a lat muscle tear that required surgery, made his 2026 season debut in late May. He has a 2.35 ERA in 23 innings across 23 appearances despite a dip in velocity. Last season, his fastball averaged 94.5 mph in 11 innings before the injury. This season, it's down to 93 mph. His strikeout rate has also dropped — from 32.6% to 21.7%.

Before the 2025 season, the Mets signed Minter to a two-year, $22 million contract with a player option for 2026. He was a key contributor during eight seasons with the Braves, posting a 3.28 ERA in 348⅔ innings, and was a member of Atlanta's 2021 World Series championship team.

Minnesota selected the 19-year-old Agbayani in the sixth round of the 2025 draft out of high school in Hawaii. He has been limited to 10 games this season — and none since May 12 — because of a shoulder